Mohammed El-Shahat

In the present work a detailed study has been performed on the effect of the matrix on the limit of detection (LOD) and the plasma parameters of the laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. The LOD of magnesium, silicon, manganese and copper as minor elements was evaluated in aluminium standard sample alloys compared to the values of the LOD of the same elements in standard steel alloys. The effect of changing the matrix on the laser induced plasma plume parameters, namely the plasma temperature Te and the electron density Ne, has been also studied. Calibrations were achieved for the four elements with linear regression coefficients between 98-99% on average. According to the obtained results Mn and Cu have the lowest LOD in the steel alloy matrix, while Mg has much lower LOD in the aluminium alloy matrix. These results may be interpreted in view of the compatibility of the physical properties of the elements existing in the same matrix. Approximately similar electronic structure and values of melting point, density, atomic weight, etc., may facilitate better conditions for energy transfer within the matrix. From the application view point, it is possible for LIBS in the on-line industrial process control to follow up only a single element (that with the lowest LOD in such matrix) as a marker for the correct alloying in metals and mixing in pharmaceuticals. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2004.

We encountered two children suffering from liver glycogenoses (GSD) over a period of 5 years (1992-1997) who presented with a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy diagnosed by electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCV). The aim of the study was to evaluate the involvement of muscle and motor nerve in children suffering from liver glycogenoses. In a cross-sectional study, 22 children suffering from liver GSD (with no current neurological symptoms) and 20 age- and sex- matched clinically free children (control group) underwent creatine phospho-kinase (CPK), EMG, and NCV studies. Abnormal EMG and/or NCV studies were found in 11 children. Six (27.27 per cent) were found to have axonopathy, three (13.63 per cent) demyelinating polyneuropathy, and two (9.1 per cent) had mixed axonal and demyelinating neuropathy. Two children with axonopathy had GSD type VI, another had GSD type IV, and three had GSD of undiagnosed type. Three of those having a demyelinating polyneuropathy had GSD type III, another had GSD type IV, and the last had GSD of undiagnosed type. None were found to have a cardiomyopathy or a myopathy on EMG. This is the first report of neuropathy associated with GSD types III, IV, and VI in children. It might be discovered by EMG and/or NCV studies in a clinically, neurologically normal child suffering from GSD, or present as an acute polyneuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: The study describes normal labor practices in an Egyptian teaching hospital for the first time, where postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality. Third-stage management patterns are described and compared to evidence-based medicine. Reasons for third-stage practices observed are explored.

STUDY DESIGN: 176 normal births were directly observed. Women were interviewed postpartum and study findings were shared with providers.

RESULTS: Third-stage active management was correctly done for 15% of women observed. Most common deviations for the remaining 85% were: giving uterotonic drugs after placental delivery (65%) and without cord traction (49%). Passive management was not done for any observed delivery.

CONCLUSIONS: The preventive role actively managing the third stage can provide against postpartum hemorrhage was lost to the majority of the deliveries observed. Obstacles to adopting protocols shown to reduce hemorrhage should be explored, given the contribution of postpartum hemorrhage to maternal deaths in Egypt.